AIARE Level 1
Avalanche Safety Course | Colorado Backcountry Education
Three day Course | 6:1 Max Ratio
Easy-Moderate
AIARE Certificate of Completion
Build a strong foundation in avalanche safety and backcountry skills with our AIARE Level 1 Course. Skiers, snowboarders/splitboarders, and snowshoers of all experience levels welcome. Essential tools and knowledge for confident backcountry travel.
$695 – Less 10% with SNOW10 code at checkout!
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1. What is the AIARE Level 1 course, and who is it for?
The AIARE Level 1 course introduces participants to the fundamentals of avalanche safety and backcountry travel. Perfect for beginners and those with some experience, it builds confidence in navigating avalanche terrain safely. It’s especially suited for skiers, splitboarders, snowshoers, ice climbers, alpine mountaineers, snowmobilers, and anyone spending time in snowy mountain environments.
2. Do I need to complete any preparation before the course?
Pre-course e-learning modules are available and highly recommended to help you get the most out of the course. You’ll receive access to these materials after booking. While preparation can enhance your experience, it is not required to attend. You’re welcome to join the course and fully participate, even if you haven’t completed the pre-course work.
3. What should I bring for the course?
Participants will need clothing appropriate for mountain weather, skiing or splitboarding gear, and avalanche safety equipment (beacon, probe, shovel). For a complete gear list, you’ll receive details in your confirmation email after booking.
4. Is lodging included?
Lodging is not included. For convenience, we recommend accommodations in Eagle County. When you book, you’ll receive access to our resource page, which includes a discount for The Bunkhouse hotel along with other helpful recommendations. Let us know if you need additional assistance planning your stay!
5. Where does the course take place?
The classroom day takes place at our office in Eagle-Vail, Colorado. The field locations are determined closer to the course date to ensure the best possible snow conditions and teaching environments for our students. However, all potential field locations are conveniently located between 5 and 40 minutes from our office. This approach allows us to provide the most effective and tailored learning experience.
Through a combination of classroom learning and immersive field days, you’ll explore avalanche dynamics, terrain evaluation, and decision-making frameworks while practicing critical backcountry techniques.
This course is available to all ages 12 and up. (Ages 12-14 requires parents to attend also).
DIFFICULTY
Easy – Moderate
DURATION
- Three 8-hour days
- Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
- Saturday 8am-5:30pm
- Sunday 8am-5pm
*Start and end times are approximate
LOCATION
Classroom Location
Eagle-Vail, CO (see How to Find Us)
Field Location
Vail Valley, Vail Pass, Fremont Pass and/or surrounding areas.
PRICE
$695 – Less 10% with SNOW10 code at checkout!
See our inclusion policy for special group requests.
Course Itinerary
Day 1 – Classroom Session
Dive into avalanche awareness and decision-making with engaging discussions, interactive diagrams, and group activities. You’ll develop a theoretical understanding of avalanche science, terrain analysis, and risk management.
Day 2 – Instructor-led Tour
Bring theory to life on a guided backcountry tour led by your mentors. Observe and learn as your instructors model essential backcountry skills, including route planning, terrain assessment, and companion rescue techniques. You’ll gain hands-on experience and a surface-level introduction to beacon searches, probing, and shoveling, while watching experienced guides demonstrate best practices in real-time. For a more comprehensive foundation of backcountry preparedness, consider adding our AIARE Level 1 & Avalanche Rescue Course.
Day 3 – Student-led Tour
Take charge on a student-led backcountry tour, where you’ll step into the role of decision-maker under the close guidance of your mentors. Building on what you observed during the previous day, you’ll plan routes, evaluate terrain, and apply newly learned skills in a real-world setting. Your instructors will provide feedback and direction as you model their techniques, reinforcing group communication, decision-making, and risk mitigation strategies.
Curriculum Highlights
FUNDAMENTALS
Throughout a 24 hour Apex AIARE Level 1 Backcountry course, consisting of 1 classroom day and 2 field days, the course will focus on the following natural elements:
- The characteristics and types of avalanches
- Movement of avalanches
- Classifications by size and danger scale
- Mountain snowpack: metamorphism and layering
- Heuristics or Human Factors and group management
- Mapping, time management, route finding and navigation, as well as the latest standardized electronic tools and data/planning sites
- Using the AIARE field book
- Companion Rescue
CLASS DISCUSSIONS
- How our behavior can effect our interaction with the backcountry
- Trip planning and preparation
- Risk management and decision-making
- Human influence in:
- Group dynamics
- Decision-making
- Accidents
APPLYING SKILLS
- Field days topics will include:
- Trip planning and prep
- Beacon, shovel and probe use
- Avalanche rescue, beacon search and strategic shoveling
- Identifying and evaluating avalanche terrain
- Route-finding, terrain management and travel techniques
- Group management
- Snow pit and snow layer analysis and tests
- Questions to ask in risk evaluation
- Identifying “red flags”
2024-25 DATES
View number of available spots on above booking calendar or contact us for custom group bookings.
- November 15-17
- November 22-24
- November 29 – December 01
- December 06-08
- December 13-15
- December 20-22
- December 27-29
- January 03-05
- January 10-12
- January 17-19
- January 24-26
- January 31 – February 02
- February 07-09
- February 14-16
- February 21-23
- February 28 – March 02
- March 07-09
- March 14-16
- March 21-23
- March 28-30
- April 04-06
- April 11-13
- April 18-20
Includes:
- AIARE Student Manual & Field Book
- 1 Classroom Day + 2 Field Days
- AIARE Certificate of Completion
Excludes:
- Lodging, food, and transportation
- Skiing/splitboarding gear and avalanche safety equipment rentals (rentals available upon request)
- Trip insurance
- Unforeseen costs
Required
- Beacon/probe/shovel (rental available)
- Clinometer (BCA slope meter, also available on compasses)
- Complete ski, split board or snowshoe equipment, including boots, poles, etc
- *No cotton – cotton does not wick moisture or insulate when wet.
- Long underwear bottom (thin) – synthetic or wool
- Long sleeve top (medium) – synthetic or wool
- Socks – synthetic or wool
- Water/wind proof jacket with hood, pants, and gloves
- Notebook (for lecture day)
- Warm gloves or mittens
- Hat and neck gaiter or balaclava
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Small day pack
- Water bottle and food
- Headlamp and batteries
- Any other items you would typically have in your pack on a backcountry trip
ALSO RECOMMENDED
- Loupe (at least 10x zoom)
- Snow Saw (minimum 30cm)
- Snow crystal card
YOU MAY ALSO CONSIDER
- Hand warmers
- Hot liquid
- Liner socks
- Adjustable Poles
- Extra gloves
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle insulator
- Insulation layer to sit on
HOW CAN I PREPARE?
Completion of e-learning modules is encouraged by AIARE prior to the start of all courses, but not required. AIARE Level 1 modules often take about 4 hours.
Participants should be prepared to travel in backcountry terrain by ski or split board (snowshoes are acceptable if no other option). All AIARE Level 1 Backcountry courses take place in mountainous terrain, at altitude. Apex encourages students to come prepared for all mountain weather conditions.
Are you new to the backcountry or looking to hone your ski or splitboard skills prior to an AIARE Avalanche course in Colorado? Beginner Backcountry Ski and Split boarding outings with Apex are an excellent way to prepare! During a Vail Backcountry Skiing private outing, your Apex Mountain School guide will work with you on both up and downhill travel techniques and transitions as well as navigating in a backcountry environment.
Also, consider our Level 1 Prep Course in order for preparation specific to the Level 1 Course and Backcountry Preparedness!
E-Learning
Participants are expected to complete a series of pre-course e-learning modules and evening assignments during the course.
Classroom
You will have the opportunity to view interactive diagrams, work on small group activities and ask questions before your weekend field days.
Field Tour
Instructors guide students on a backcountry tour, modeling terrain navigation, decision-making, and companion rescue drills that student implement.
Student-led Tour
Students lead a backcountry tour, applying what they’ve learned as instructors mentor and provide feedback.
Why Choose Apex Mountain School?
At Apex Mountain School, we combine the industry-leading AIARE curriculum with our client-focused teaching approach. Our instructors are skilled in adapting lessons to accommodate varying experience levels and user environments, ensuring every participant gains confidence and practical skills for the backcountry. Dedicated to providing a high-quality learning experience, our guides are approachable, attentive, and passionate about making each course engaging and impactful for all students.
Other Outings You May be Interested In
Meet our guides
Our guides are dedicated to giving the safest, most fulfilling experience to our clients. With the most AMGA certifications we have the most qualified guides in the area.
Book Your First Aaire Level 1 Avalanche Course Today!
Due to their limited capacity, our AIARE Level 1 Avalanche courses typically fill up months in advance. Making your reservation before the winter season begins is highly advised.
40800 US Highway 6, Unit 7, Avon, CO 81620
